Welcome to Presidents' Day weekend, three solid days that are made for chopping, searing, mixing and, eventually, eating.

But what does one actually eat to celebrate Presidents' Day? There are hokey stories about Thomas Jefferson loving deviled eggs or George Washington going to town on a stack of hoe cakes. But those guys were around a long time ago. If they were here now, they'd probably be more into the modern American classics.

So that's what we've rounded up here. Modern classic dishes in the American Culinary Cannon. For you to cook this weekend.

Macaroni and Cheese

Texas Chili

Chili is an American staple, but the Texas version is special: It's all about thick hunks of beef chuck, a five-chile-spice pureé and absolutely no beans. Because in America, nobody can make you eat beans if you don't want to.

Clam Chowder

There's not much to making this New England classic, but the results can be a show stopper. Can't get your hands on fresh clams this weekend? Exert your American right to choose canned baby clams and bottled clam juice instead.

Classic Smashed Cheeseburger

It can be hard to wrap your head around eating burgers that aren't grilled outside on warm summer nights. But get this: This smash-style burger actually needs to be made on a griddle (or cast-iron pan) indoors.